Like Sheep

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him [Jesus] the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

I’ve often wondered about the implications of comparing humans to sheep so frequently in Scripture. There are a few reasons why this is the case. 

First, it is in a sheep’s nature to wander. Sheep frequently get distracted while grazing and simply wander off without realizing their flock has moved. A single sheep will often slip away due to curiosity or the desire to seek better grass to nibble on. 

Next, a stray sheep is an animal in great danger. Being a defenseless creature, when separated from its flock, it becomes easy prey for predators. 

Finally, sheep have a poor sense of direction. When lost, they are generally unable to find their own way back home. This is why farmers rely on secure fences and vigilant shepherds to keep the flock together, and to track down any sheep that go astray.

These sheep-like tendencies are relatable to our human inclinations. We so easily go our own way, putting ourselves in danger, and sin in doing so. Isaiah 53:6 declares that the Lord, in his great mercy, planned for the just punishment of sin to be laid upon another—Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament teaches that annually, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest was to cast lots over two male goats. One was sacrificed as a sin offering to the Lord. The other, called the scapegoat, had the sins of the people symbolically placed upon it, then was cast out into the wilderness to carry the guilt away. 

“He [the priest] is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head … The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place” (Leviticus 16:21-22). 

That ceremonial rhythm pointed toward Jesus. He took mankind’s iniquity upon himself and carried away our guilt, leaving those who receive him cleansed and free to live for godliness. 

“He [Jesus] himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24).

What relief there is in knowing our Lord already paid the penalty for our sin and knows how much we are like sheep, in need of constant care, guidance, and restoration. Thankfully, he is really good at being a shepherd.